Concerns about walk-in centre move

A PROSPECTIVE MP and councillor are putting their concerns about the proposed move of Loughborough's Walk-In Centre into action by showing Primary Care Trust bosses that moving the centre would have a detrimental effect on patients.

A PROSPECTIVE MP and councillor are putting their concerns about the proposed move of Loughborough's Walk-In Centre into action by showing Primary Care Trust bosses that moving the centre would have a detrimental effect on patients.

Nicky Morgan, prospective Conservative MP for Loughborough, and Coun Pauline Ranson have planned an organised walk from the current site in Pinfold Gate to the proposed site at Loughborough's Epinal Way hospital.

In October, the Leicestershire County and Rutland Primary Care Trust proposed to move the site to save money, provide shared medical cover and to bring the two healthcare facilities together.

However, the pair feel many patients will have to travel twice the distance to access these vital services, which are now under consultation.

The pair are aiming to highlight the concerns that local residents face by walking the distance between both sites and meeting local representatives from the PCT.

Mrs Morgan said: "My main concern with this move is the lack of accessibility to the new site for anyone who does not own a car.

"I am also interested to know how the PCT believes the move will work to the advantage of Walk-In Centre patients and what the implications are for the staff."

A spokesman for the PCT added: "We have been in close discussion with the organisers of this walk and are more than willing to facilitate the walk and listen to the points and concerns they are raising.

"We are preparing information that can be given out on the day of the walk about the rationale behind proposing this move and the possible clinical benefits."

The walk will take place on Sunday, August 17, at 2.30pm and will start close to the Walk-In Centre.

The group will then walk the 1.4 miles to the proposed Epinal Way site at Loughborough Hospital.

For more information email Mrs Morgan at listening@loughboroughconservatives.com or by calling 01509 415852.